ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways launches “Heritage Week” Special Tour Package from Mumbai to Ahmedabad
On the occasion of World Heritage Week 2019 being observed from 19th to 25th November 2019, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited, the tourism arm of Indian Railways is launching “Heritage Week” Special Tour Package ex Mumbai starting from 22nd to 25th November 2019. The tour is being operated by IRCTC, West Zone Office, Mumbai. The unique feature of the package is that it will explore the heritage and culture of Gujarat.
The tour will cover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of “Rani ki Vav” and famous “Modhera Sun Temple”. The heritage precinct of Ahmedabad City will also be covered as part of this tour. On the second day i.e. 23rd November 2019 the group will be taken to Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another important attractive part of this trail is that the group will be taken to Statue of Unity, the tallest monument of the world. The details of the package are available on IRCTC Website: www.irctctourism.com. For any further queries passengers can also contact 8287931654/ 022-22644378 / 22632485.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
PNGRB to Hold Roadshow for 10th City Gas Distribution  Bidding Round at Kolkata
Kolkata, January 07, 2019.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board , the nodal agency for facilitating economic activities in natural gas distribution, is organizing a road show on January 08, 2019 for promoting 10th City Gas Distribution  bidding round in Kolkata.
After the success of the recently concluded ninth CGD bidding round for 86 Geographical Areas  covering 174 districts in 21 states/ UTs which attracted great interest from investors across the sector, wherein total 406 bids were received from 38 organizations  covering 124 districts in 14 states was recently launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on November 22, 2018 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
This road show at Kolkata on January 08, 2019 is part of the series of roadshows planned by PNGRB across India over the next few weeks before the deadline for bid submissions end on February 05, 2019. Prior to this, a road show was held at Chandigarh, Patna and Jaipur which entailed great response from all the stakeholders.
In the ninth CGD bidding round almost all the GA’s offered were awarded by PNGRB and similar expectations can be attributed to 10th CGD bidding round. At present, CGD authorization has been given by PNGRB in two GAs in West Bengal covering Kolkata, Howrah , Hoogly , Nadia , North 24 Parganas , South 24 Parganas  and Burdwan. Now, in the 10th CGD bidding round, four Gas covering eight districts- Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Uttar Dinajpur, Howrah , Hoogly , Nadia , North 24 Parganas  and South 24 Parganas  are being offered by PNGRB.
President's Secretariat
When the whole world was using space for military domination, Dr Sarabhai thought that for India, the space technology is the suitable platform for fast-track development: President Kovind
President addresses the valedictory function of Vikram Sarabhai birth centenary celebrations through a video message
When the whole world was using space for military domination, Dr. Sarabhai thought that for India with its immense size and diversity, the space technology is the suitable platform for fast-track development, said the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind. He was addressing the valedictory function of Dr Vikram Sarabhai Birth Centenary Celebrations, being organized by the Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, today  through a video message.
Remembering Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the President said that there are some people whose life and deeds lift our spirits. Dr Vikram Sarabhai, ‘Father of Indian Space Programme’, is one of them. A man of singular charm, he was full of humility that masked his tall achievements. He was a world-class scientist, a policymaker and also an institution-builder – a rarest of rare combination. He achieved it all in a relatively short span of time, as if he knew his end was near. His life unfortunately was cut short too early. We wonder where India’s space science would have reached if he could have served the nation for long.
The President said that as a scientist, Dr Sarabhai was never content with merely noting observations. He always looked into the implications of the experimental data for a better understanding of the nature of the interplanetary space. Between 1947 and 1971, he published as many as 85 research papers in national and international science journals.
The President said that Dr Sarabhai was also a great pragmatist. He did not steer India’s Space Programme on the lines of other space-faring nations. Instead of the incremental mode, he preferred leapfrogging. He was convinced that a developing country like India should directly plunge into satellite communication. He wanted to demonstrate the usefulness of a satellite system for national development. Today, we realise the significance of his dream, when the Covid-19 pandemic has failed to interrupt school education which has continued in the remote learning mode.
The President said that the government has paid a fitting tribute to the legendary scientist by announcing space sector reforms in the birth centenary year of Dr Sarabhai. Dr Sarabhai famously said, “We must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problems of man and society.” When India strives to become more ‘Atma-nirbhar’, we realize the significance of his words, the President added.
Click here to see President's Speech
Ministry of Finance
Auction for Sale  of  ‘7.38% GS 2027’,  ‘7.26% GS 2032’,  ‘7.36% GS 2052’
The Government of India  has announced the sale  of  “7.38% Government Security 2027” for a notified amount of Rs 7,000 crore  through price based auction using uniform price method,  “7.26% Government Security 2032” for a notified amount of Rs 12,000 crore  through price based auction using uniform price method and  “7.36% Government Security 2052” for a notified amount of Rs 9,000 crore  through price based auction using multiple price method. GoI will have the option to retain additional subscription up to Rs. 2,000 crore against each security mentioned above. The auctions will be conducted by the Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai Office, Fort, Mumbai on January 20, 2023 .
Up to 5% of the notified amount of the sale of the securities will be allotted to eligible individuals and institutions as per the Scheme for Non-Competitive Bidding Facility in the Auction of Government Securities.
Both competitive and non-competitive bids for the auction should be submitted in electronic format on the Reserve Bank of India Core Banking Solution  system on January 20, 2023. The non-competitive bids should be submitted between 10.30 a.m. and 11.00 a.m. and the competitive bids should be submitted between 10.30 a.m. and 11.30 a.m.
The result of the auctions will be announced on January 20, 2023  and payment by successful bidders will be on January 23, 2023 .
The Securities will be eligible for “When Issued” trading in accordance with the guidelines on ‘When Issued transactions in Central Government Securities’ issued by the Reserve Bank of India vide circular No. RBI/2018-19/25 dated July 24, 2018 as amended from time to time.
Prime Minister's Office
PM praises the initiative of the first Janjatiya Khel Mahotsav
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed happiness on the organization of the first Janjatiya Khel Mahotsav at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences, Bhubaneswar.
The Prime Minister called the games a huge beginning and acknowledged the role of the tribal players in bringing laurels for the country.
The Prime Minister replied to a tweet by the Amrit Mahotsav:
"हमारे खेल जगत में एक बड़ी शुरुआत! वैश्विक स्पर्धाओं में भारत को पहचान दिलाने में जनजातीय खिलाड़ियों की बड़ी भूमिका रही है। ऐसे प्रयासों से देश को इस समुदाय से नए-नए टैलेंट मिलेंगे।"
Special Service and Features
PM Vishwakarma aims to support and protect traditional artisans: Union Minister S Jaishankar
The scheme will enable traditional artisans to go to the market and spread their goods
The PM Vishwa Karma Project will play an important role in providing support to people engaged in traditional crafts, said External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. He said that Vishwakarmas have left a clear mark in preserving the culture and traditions of the country through their crafts. He was participating as the Chief Guest at the 'PM Vishwakarma' event in Thiruvananthapuram. The event was organized by the Ministry of Railways and the Union Ministry of MSME. He also said that Vishwakarma scheme will enable traditional artisans to go to the market and spread their goods:
The Minister praised the hard work, dedication, and ability of traditional artisans to understand the minds of the people and produce handicraft products. He also said that the PM Vishwakarma scheme will not only provide financial assistance to Vishwakarmajars but will also provide training and market opportunities. PM Vishwakarma scheme will also be a key component for other initiatives such as 'Vocal for Local', One District One Product' and 'Make in India'.Dr S Jaishankar said that the crafts exhibition, held as part of the G20, showcased India's age-old culture to world leaders. This will benefit the tourism sector of the country, he said. The inauguration of the Vishwakarma Project at Yashobhoomi in Dwarka, New Delhi, by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, was broadcast live at the event. Southern Railway Divisional Manager Shri S M Sharma and Thiruvananthapuram District Collector Shri Geromic George, among others were present.
In the PM Vishwakarma events at Lakshadweep and Kochi, Union Minister of State Smt. Darshana Jardosh and Coir Board Chairman Shri. D. Kuppuramu were the chief guests.
--NS--
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Khelo India Scheme to achieve mass participation and promotion of excellence in sports
The revamped Khelo India Scheme was launched during the financial year 2017-18 with a view to achieving the twin objectives of mass participation and promotion of excellence in sports. The vision of the revamped Khelo India is to infuse sports culture and achieve sporting excellence in the country. The mission as stated in the revamped scheme is to encourage sports for all thus allowing the population across gender and all age groups to harness the power of sports through its cross-cutting influence, namely, holistic development of children & youth, community development, social integration, gender equality, healthy lifestyle, national pride and economic opportunities related to sports development.
Under the Khelo India the identified sports talents will be given the option to join SAI National Sports Academies, State Sports Academies or Sports Academies established by private sector. Grants-in-aid will be provided for establishment, operation and maintenance of sports academies in respect of identified disciplines to Sports Authority of India, State Governments or to private sector or sports person under Public Private Partnership  mode for facilitating and supplementing Long Term Athlete Development  programme . The best academies might be at National, Regional or State level, both in public and private sector. Academies will be identified for need-based support, both recurring and non-recurring, by inviting proposals from suitable entities. A system would be developed for rating of academics to facilitate selection of appropriate academics for support. At least one academy for Para Athletes will be supported.
This information was given by Minister of State  for Youth Affairs and Sports Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore  in a written reply to the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
INS TABAR EXERCISES WITH ITALIAN NAVY OFF NAPLES, ITALY
As part of the ongoing deployment to the Mediterranean, INS Tabar entered the Port of Naples, Italy on 03 Jul 21. The ship was accorded a warm welcome by the Italian Navy. During the stay in port the Commanding Officer Captain Mahesh Mangipudi called on the senior officers of the Prefect of Naples Authority, the regional Italian Navy Headquarters and the Coast Guard Headquarters at Naples.
On departure from port, the ship also undertook a Maritime Partnership Exercise with ITS Antonio Marceglia , a frontline frigate of the Italian Navy, on 04 and 05 July 2021 in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The exercise covered a wide range of naval operations including air defence procedures, replenishment at sea, communication drills and cross deck helo operations by day and night. The exercise was mutually beneficial in enhancing interoperability and towards consolidating combined operations against maritime threats.
The exercise culminated with a ‘Steam Past’ by the two ships, as per the naval custom.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister’s meeting with Prime Minister of the Republic of Ethiopia
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, Prime Minister of the Republic of Ethiopia, in Johannesburg on 24 August 2023, on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit.
Both leaders held productive discussions on key areas including development partnership & capacity building, trade and investment, defence cooperation, ICT, agriculture, skilling of youth and people-to-people linkages. They also exchanged views on important regional and global issues.
Prime Minister congratulated Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Ethiopia’s membership of BRICS. He appreciated Prime Minster Abiy Ahmed for his participation in the Voice of Global South Summit.
Prime Minster Abiy Ahmed thanked Prime Minister for India’s support for Ethiopia to join the BRICS family and felicitated Prime Minister on the success of Chandrayaan mission, terming it as a moment of pride and inspiration for Ethiopia and the Global South.
Prime Minister's Office
PM hails Rail connectivity for Ratnipora
The Railway Ministry has tweeted that the long-pending demand for the Ratnipora Halt between Awantipora and Kakapora has finally been fulfilled. This halt will make mobility easier in the region with accessible transportation.
Replying to the tweet by the Ministry of Railways, the Prime Minister tweeted :
"Good news for deepening connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir."
Ministry of Defence
Indo-kazakhstan joint training exercise to commence on 30 august 2021
As part of military diplomacy and to strengthen the growing strategic relation with Kazakhstan, the 5th edition of Indo- Kazakhstan Joint Training Exercise, “KAZIND-21” will be conducted at Training Node, Aisha Bibi, Kazakhstan, from 30 August to 11 September 2021. The exercise is a joint training between both the Armies, which will boost the bilateral relations between India and Kazakhstan.
The Indian Army contingent represented by a battalion of The Bihar Regiment consists of a total of 90 personnel led by a Contingent Commander. The Kazakhstan Army will be represented by a company group.
The Exercise will provide an opportunity to the Armed Forces of India & Kazakhstan to train for Counter Insurgency/ Counter Terrorism operation in mountainous, rural scenario under UN mandate. The scope of Joint Exercise includes professional exchange, planning & execution of operation in Counter terrorism environment at sub unit level and sharing expertise on skills at arms, combat shooting and experiences in Counter Insurgency/ Counter Terrorism operations. The exercise will culminate after a 48 hours long validation exercise which will involve a scenario of neutralization of terrorists in a semi-rural hideout.
The exercise will strengthen mutual confidence, inter-operability and enable sharing of best practices between the Armed Forces of India and Kazakhstan.
Ministry of Food Processing Industries
Shri Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurates Mega Food Park in Punjab
Government of India has taken several initiatives for development of food processing sector: Narendra Singh Tomar
MFP to benefit 25000 farmers and generate employment for 5000 persons
Punjab and Haryana farmers have played significant role in making the country food-surplus
Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj today virtually inaugurated Mega Food Park  at Phagwara in Kapurthala district of Punjab. Shri Tomar said that Punjab and Haryana have significant role in development of agriculture sector of India. He added that due to untiring efforts of farmers of these two states, India is not only self reliant in food grains but is food surplus. He said that Punjab has been ahead in production of rice and wheat however, due to reduced ground water levels, diversification of crops is required for which Punjabfarmers have taken several steps. He said that food processing sector needs to be focussed upon so that farmers get fair prices and related sectors can also benefit.
This Mega Food Park is built at project cost of Rs 107.83 crores and spread over 55 acres of land. It is expected to benefit about 25000 farmers and likely to generate employment of about 5000 persons. It is equipped with Raw Material/Finished goods Warehouses , Silos , Cold Storage , IQF & Deep Freezer  & other related food processing facilities.
Shri Tomar said that the Government is continuously working for welfare of farmers under leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He added that MSP of crops has been increased and Governent has started a scheme to create 10,000 new FPOs. Farmers are being given subsidy and Government is focussing on welfare of small farmers. A 10,000 crore fund has been created under Aatmanirbhar Bharat, for development of food processing sector which will benefit farmers and create employment opportunities. Till date, 37 MFPs have been sanctioned and 20 have already started functioning.
Shri Tomar highlighted that research has huge role to play in agriculture sector and ICAR has been doing great research which is benefitting the country. He asked Punjab Government to send proposals related to research and assured that Union Government would consider those proposals with all seriousness. Shri Tomar said that Sukhjit Mega Food Park would prove to be a milestone in the progress of food processing sector.
Shri Rameswar Teli, MoS, FPI said that latest technology and processing facilities will reduce wastage of food products and ensure fair prices for farmers.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Increase amount under provident fund for women
The Employees’ Provident Fund  Scheme, 1952 is one of the three schemes framed under the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions  Act, 1952. The EPF Scheme, 1952 aims at providing social security to employees, irrespective of gender, employed in an EPF covered establishment. Under the EPF Scheme, 1952, an employee of any covered establishment drawing monthly wages up to Rs. 15,000 is statutorily required to join the fund and to contribute 12% of wages, which includes basic wages, dearness allowance and retaining allowance, if any. The employer is also required to contribute 12% of the wages.
The Government has enacted the Code on Social Security, 2020 which subsumes 9 labour laws including the EPF & MP Act, 1952. As per provisions of the Code, the Central Government, after making such inquiry as it deems fit, may, by notification, specify rates of employees’ contributions and the period for which such rates shall apply for any class of employee. The said provisions of the Code have not yet come into force.
This information was given by Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shri. Rameshwar Teli in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM reviews steps taken to improve Ease of Doing Business
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today chaired a high-level meeting to review progress with regard to "Ease of Doing Business."
The meeting was attended by senior Union Ministers related to economic matters; Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis; Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Shri Anil Baijal; and senior officials from the Union Government, Maharashtra Government and Delhi Government.
The Prime Minister was briefed on progress being made on various parameters related to Ease of Doing Business. Subjects such as construction permits, enforcement of contracts, registering property, starting a business, getting electricity, getting credit, and resolving insolvency came up for discussion.
India’s rise in the World Bank “Doing Business” rankings from 142 to 77, over the last four years, was taken note of.
Officials explained the steps being taken to plug shortcomings and resolve bottlenecks in implementing business reforms.
The Prime Minister stressed on the need to improve last mile delivery, and focus on streamlining procedures, which would improve not just the "Doing Business" rankings, but also increase the "Ease of Living" for small businesses and the common man. He said this is extremely important for India, as an emerging and vibrant economy. He also spoke of the tremendous global interest about the rise in India's "Doing Business" rankings.
NITI Aayog
Cabinet approves MoU between India and the USA for co-hosting the Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2017  in India
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for the Memorandum of Understanding  signed between India and the USA for co-hosting the Global Entrepreneurship Summit  2017 in India. The MoU delineated the responsibilities, areas of co-operation including logistics and venue related requirements between the parties for smooth conduct of the Summit.
The GES-2017 provided excellent opportunity to entrepreneurs and investors to have meetings with global industry leaders, networking sessions, pitching competitions, strategic workshops and sector-specific programs for forging new collaborations. The Summit provided a forum to enhance economic opportunities to young entrepreneurs, especially women entrepreneurs and marginalized groups in the long run.
Background
The GES-2017 was held during 28-30 November, 2017 in Hyderabad. It was attended by more than 1500 registered delegates from 150 countries in addition to CEOs of MNCs, policy makers and Government officials.
A decision to host the Eighth Edition of the GES in 2017 in India was taken at the meeting between the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the then US President Barack Obama on 7th June, 2016 under the Joint Declaration. This was reiterated by the Prime Minister during his visit to the USA from 25-27 June 2017 and he invited Ms. Ivanka Trump, Adviser to the US President to lead the US delegation to the GES in India.
The GES is a pre-eminent forum for emerging entrepreneurs. The Summit provided opportunities for meeting with global industry leaders, networking of international entrepreneurs, innovators, investors. The summit also provided forum for pitching competition, strategic workshops and sector-programmes to help in creating new collaborations amongst entrepreneurs and Investors. The Summit provided for significantly increased economic opportunities for young entrepreneurs, especially, women entrepreneurs and start-ups.
Prime Minister's Office
PM wishes speedy recovery to the Prime Minister of Italy, Mario Draghi from COVID-19
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has wished the speedy recovery to the Prime Minister of Italy, Mario Draghi from COVID-19.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"I wish my dear friend Prime Minister Mario Draghi of Italy a speedy recovery from COVID-19. @Palazzo_Chigi"
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Plan to grow vegetables in Anganwadi Centres
A programme to support development of Poshan Vatikas at Anganwadi centers to meet dietary diversity gap by leveraging traditional knowledge in nutritional practices has been put in place to encourage community members to cultivate local food crops for regular supply of fresh fruits, vegetables and important herbs and medicinal plants that are basic to good nutrition. As part of an outreach plan, seasonal and topical vegetable seeds were distributed to Anganwadi Centres.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.